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August 31, 2021 - The Marijuana Regulatory Agency's social equity team has announced the creation of the Joint Ventures Pathway Program (JVPP). Based on a recommendation made by the Racial Equity Advisory Workgroup earlier this year, the JVPP will connect eligible social equity participants - and those seeking to become social equity participants - with adult-use licensees, potential adult-use licensees, and any businesses or organizations that wish to work with social equity participants and are interested in pursuing partnerships.
As the agency responsible for implementing and administering the laws governing commercial licensure of the marijuana industry in Michigan, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) recognizes the importance of equity in opportunity for businesses operating in this newly legalized industry.
The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act - passed by Michigan voters in 2018 - directed the MRA to create a plan "to promote and encourage participation in the marijuana industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities."
As the MRA implemented and expanded this plan, it became clear that the broad language of the statute was not enough to address the specific issue of racial inequities within the commercial industry. Accordingly, the MRA established a Racial Equity Advisory Workgroup, composed of state and local officials and industry stakeholders.
This workgroup was charged with developing policy ideas and recommendations to address the disparities in ownership and participation in the marijuana industry by people of color and establishing the State of Michigan as a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the marijuana industry.
The social equity team has already compiled a list of over 100 individuals who are interested in pursuing partnerships through the JVPP. If your business or organization is interested in connecting with social equity participants, please visit the JVPP website.
For more details regarding the social equity program, please visit www.michigan.gov/mra.
